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Expert and layperson perceptions of ecosystem risk
J K Lazo1, J C Kinnell, A Fisher
1Stratus Consulting Inc., Boulder, CO 80306-4059, USA. jlazo@stratusconsulting.com
Summary
Global climate change (GCC) risks are seen as less avoidable and more acceptable by both the public and ecologists. Experts perceive GCC risks as having lower impacts and being less understandable than non-GCC risks.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Risk Perception Studies
Background:
- Ecological risks, especially from global climate change (GCC), are a growing concern.
- Understanding public and expert perceptions of these risks is crucial for effective communication and policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare how laypeople and ecologists perceive the characteristics of GCC risks versus other ecological risks.
- To identify similarities and differences in risk perception structures between these two groups.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to gather perceptions of 31 risk characteristics for 25 different ecosystem risks (13 GCC, 12 non-GCC).
- Factor analysis was employed to analyze the structural patterns within layperson and expert risk perceptions.
Main Results:
- Both laypeople and experts perceive GCC risks as less avoidable and more acceptable than non-GCC risks.
- Experts, compared to laypeople, viewed GCC risks as having slightly lower impacts, being less avoidable, more acceptable, and less understandable.
Conclusions:
- Despite differences, both groups share a view of GCC risks as less controllable and more palatable.
- Findings highlight potential communication challenges and opportunities regarding ecological risks from climate change.